Research Professional I (Part-Time)

The Department of Surgery is seeking a motivated Research Professional I to support research projects focused on wound healing, tissue regeneration, and advanced therapeutics. This entry-level position is ideal for candidates looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, translational research environment.

The Research Professional I will perform with laboratory experiments, data collection, and general lab maintenance, contributing to studies aimed at advancing our understanding of wound repair and developing novel therapies. Successful applicants may also participate in the efforts to achieve compliance with all Federal (FDA) and State accrediting agency requirements in the manufacturing and testing of isolated human islets in the Cellular Therapeutic Production Center (CTPC). The Institute for Cellular Transplantation (ICT) is one of the few programs in the US that isolates islets from donors for distribution of use for researchers across the world. This position would require supporting islet manufacturing processes.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this positions.

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Human Islet Isolation and Processing:

• Perform routine laboratory experiments under supervision, including cell cultures requiring the use of sterile technique, processing tissue samples, and preparing slides using staining techniques
• Isolate human islet cells from donor pancreata under cleanroom conditions and conduct in vitro research, including islet culture, sampling, and functional assessment.
• Receive donor pancreata at the research facility, including during nights and weekends as needed.
• Perform real-time documentation of procedures and results to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Data Collection and Preparation:

• Perform oxygen consumption measurements in cells for a variety of projects, as well as maintain and troubleshoot the existing technology.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results in laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, biosafety protocols, and institutional guidelines.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and principal investigators to support ongoing projects.
• Attend events for continuous education, participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and departmental seminars.
• Collaborate with senior researchers in designing research methodologies and establishing novel procedures.
• Assist senior lab associates in preparation of data and reports for grant applications and proposals.

Laboratory Equipment and Technical Skills:

• Learn to operate laboratory and experimental equipment, such as microtomes, microscopes, electron microscopes, spectrophotometers, pipettes, and centrifuges.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper operation and cleanliness.
• Prepare reagents, media, and other supplies necessary for experiments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques (pipetting, centrifugation, microscopy, etc.).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and follow protocols carefully.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.

• Experience performing isolation of islets from human pancreas.
• Greater than 2 years experience in aseptic laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency with cell culture (independently maintaining cell lines, passaging, quantifying, cryopreservation).
• Experience working under laboratory safety protocols (e.g., BSL-2 procedures).
• Enthusiasm for wound healing research, regenerative medicine, and translational science.
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences. Genetics, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field and minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.